Are dogs smarter than cats? Yes, and science proves it

A Vanderbilt University study found a dogs brain has twice the neurons of a cats, but we can love all our furry creatures equally!
USA TODAY

Jesse went through assistance dog training at Gentle Hearts Service Dogs and now belongs to a student with autism at Pieceful Solutions - Chander Campus. The charter school is for students with autism. The 18-month old Golden Retriever attends classes with the student and interacts with all students during recess.(Photo: The Republic)

Herculano-Houzel released the findings in a paper studying the number of neurons in a variety of carnivores, which was accepted for publication in the journal Frontiers in Neuroanatomy.

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Lucy the beagle is a pro at getting what she wants, even if it is out of the oven. Her owner knew something was up when she found crumbs on the floor and set up a camera to catch Lucy in the act.
Animalkind

The Vanderbilt associate professor also studied the brains of a ferret, mongoose, raccoon, hyena, lion and brown bear.

“I would bet money on a large dog over a cat any time,” Herculano-Houzel said in a Vanderbilt-produced video. “They have the biological capability of doing much more complex and flexible things with their lives than cats can.”

Neuroscience now backs general knowledge, but history is filled with anecdotal evidence that dogs are smarter than cats.

• Dogs have served in the military and in police K-9 units. When it comes to involvement with first responders, cats need help from firefighters to be rescued from trees.

• Dogs assist people with disabilities and can learn to execute complex tasks. Cats generally stay out of the way.

• Famous dogs such as Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Air Bud earned accolades for performing expert tricks on cue. Grumpy Cat gained fame for a singular facial expression.

With that said, cats still hold one edge: They know what a litter box is and how to use it.